Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Overview of Glycosylated Hemoglobin

What is Glycosylated Hemoglobin?

Glycosylated Hemoglobin, also called Glycated Hemoglobin, Hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, refers to hemoglobin which is bound to glucose. Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test is performed to measure the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in blood which reflects the average blood glucose over a period of past two to three months (8 - 12 weeks).

Sample Type

The sample type collected for Glycosylated Hemoglobin is: Blood

Preparation for Glycosylated Hemoglobin

No special preparation required

Why Get Tested for Glycosylated Hemoglobin?

The Glycosylated Hemoglobin test is performed to:

Monitor Diabetes treatment efficacy by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin regularly over a period of time

Screen for Diabetes as part of regular health checkup, as well as in patients with high risk of developing diabetes

Diagnose and confirm diabetes in combination with other tests if blood sugar levels are high over a long period of time

Understand more about Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the protein found in Red Blood Cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen. Of the different types of hemoglobin, Hemoglobin A is predominant. With elevation of blood sugar levels, some glucose binds spontaneously to Hemoglobin A (this binding is called Glycosylation or Glycation) and remains bound for the complete lifetime of the RBC, which is 120 days normally. Higher the level of glucose in the blood, greater is the amount of it binding to Hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin A1c is the dominant form of Glycated Hemoglobin. As RBCs die and are replaced, Hemoglobin A1c is cleared and slowly replaced with non-glycosylated hemoglobin. Measurement of HbA1c level over a period of time gives an indication of the level of glucose in the blood over the specified period of time. This helps in the diagnosis of Diabetes and is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce blood sugar levels.

What Results of Glycosylated Hemoglobin mean?

Interpretations

Normal: Below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol approx.)

Prediabetic: 5.7% - 6.4% (39 to 46 mmol/mol approx.)

Diabetic: Above 6.5% (above 48 mmol/mol approx.)

Less than 5.7% Glycated Hemoglobin indicates normal levels of blood sugar. Increased risk of developing Diabetes is found in Prediabetic patients with blood sugar level between 5.7% and 6.4%. Patients with a HbA1c level greater than 6.5% are usually diagnosed with Diabetes.

Patient Concerns about Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Frequently Asked Questions about Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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Sterling Accuris Diagnostics is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company. It is the largest and most comprehensive pathology laboratory of Gujarat. At Sterling Accuris Diagnostics, we provide a wide range of pathology services that fit the needs of an individual. Moreover, we have the expert team of pathology specialists and the technologically advanced infrastructure to help meet individual needs.

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